Texas driver's license renewal happens online, by mail, or in person at a DPS office
Texas offers three paths to renew your driver's license, and which one you can use depends on how much time has passed since your last renewal and whether your address or name has changed. Most people renew online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $16 for a four-year renewal or $32 for an eight-year renewal. If you cannot renew online, you can renew by mail or visit a DPS office in person.
Your license is valid for four or eight years depending on your age and when you last renewed. Texas sends no reminder notices, so you are responsible for tracking your expiration date — it appears on the front of your card. Renewing before your license expires keeps you legal to drive; renewing after expiration requires an in-person visit and may involve a vision test or written exam.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Texas DPS website is available if your license is not expired, you have not changed your name or address, and you do not need a new photo.
- Mail renewal takes four to six weeks and requires you to send your current license, a completed form, and payment to the DPS address listed on the form.
- In-person renewal at a DPS office is required if your license has expired, you changed your name or address, or you want a new photo.
- The cost is $16 for a four-year renewal or $32 for an eight-year renewal, and payment methods vary by renewal path.
- You do not need to pass a written exam to renew unless your license has been expired for more than two years or you are over 85.
Online renewal through the Texas DPS website
Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements. You can renew online if your license is not yet expired, your name and address have not changed since your last renewal, and you do not want a new photo. You will need your Texas driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit card or credit card).
Go to the Texas DPS website, select "Renew Your Driver License," and follow the prompts. The system will confirm your identity and ask you to review your current information. If everything is correct, you pay the renewal fee and receive a confirmation number. Your new license arrives by mail in seven to 10 business days. During this time, your current license remains valid.
Online renewal is not available if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), a motorcycle endorsement, or a hazmat endorsement. You also cannot renew online if you are under 18, over 85, or if your license has been suspended or revoked.
Mail renewal when you cannot go online
Mail renewal takes longer but works if you do not meet the online requirements or prefer not to visit an office. read or request the process for Texas Driver License (Form DL-43) from the Texas DPS website. Complete the form, sign it, and mail it with your current license and a check or money order to the address listed on the form.
Processing takes four to six weeks from the date the DPS receives your envelope. Your new license arrives by mail after approval. During this time, your current license remains valid for driving. If you need your license sooner, mail renewal is not the right choice — use in-person renewal instead.
Mail renewal does not work if your license has expired, your name or address has changed, or you need a new photo. It also does not work for CDL holders or anyone with endorsements. If any of these explore to you, you must renew in person.
In-person renewal at a DPS office
Visit a DPS driver license office if your license has expired, you changed your name or address, you want a new photo, or you hold a CDL or endorsement. Bring your current license (or expired license if it has been less than two years), proof of identity, and proof of residency. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement showing your current address.
You do not need an appointment at most DPS offices, but wait times vary widely by location and time of day. Check the Texas DPS website to find your nearest office and see current wait times before you go. Bring cash or a debit card — not all offices accept credit cards. The renewal fee is $16 for four years or $32 for eight years.
If your license has been expired for more than two years, you will take a written exam and a vision test. If you are over 85, you will take a vision test. Otherwise, the process is straightforward: show your documents, pay the fee, have your photo taken, and receive your new license on the spot. You can drive when ready with your new license.
What happens if your license is already expired
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Texas, even if you are in the process of renewing. If your license has expired, you cannot use online or mail renewal — you must go to a DPS office in person. Bring your expired license along with proof of identity and residency.
If your license expired less than two years ago, you will have your photo taken and pay the renewal fee. If it expired more than two years ago, you will take a written exam and a vision test before renewal. The written exam covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Texas Driver Handbook, available free on the DPS website.
Name or address changes during renewal
If your name changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document proving the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The DPS will not process a name change by mail or online.
If your address changed, you can renew online only if you update your address first through the Texas DPS website using your license number and Social Security number. Once your address is updated in the system, you can proceed with online renewal. If you do not update your address beforehand, you must renew in person or by mail and include proof of your new address.
Renewal fees and payment methods
Texas charges $16 for a four-year renewal or $32 for an eight-year renewal. Your age and the type of license determine which term you receive. Drivers under 85 typically renew for eight years; drivers 85 and older renew for four years.
Payment methods depend on your renewal path. Online renewal accepts debit cards and credit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal accepts cash, debit cards, and checks at most offices, though some accept credit cards — call ahead if you want to confirm. Do not send cash by mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when my Texas driver's license expires?
Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license in the bottom right corner. It shows the month and year. Texas does not send renewal reminders, so check your license periodically or mark the date on a calendar.
Can I renew my license if I moved out of state?
No. You must have a current Texas address to renew a Texas license. If you moved permanently, you should obtain a driver's license from your new state. If you moved temporarily but still live in Texas, update your address with the DPS before renewing.
What if I lost my license before it expired?
You need a replacement, not a renewal. Visit a DPS office with proof of identity and residency, pay the replacement fee (usually $11), and receive a new license with the same expiration date as your original. You can then renew as normal when that date approaches.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
Not required, but you can request one. Online and mail renewal keep your current photo. In-person renewal includes a new photo automatically. If you renew online or by mail but want a new photo, you must visit a DPS office and pay a separate photo fee.
What if I have a commercial driver's license?
CDL renewal requires an in-person visit to a DPS office. You cannot renew online or by mail. Bring your current license, proof of identity, proof of residency, and your medical certificate if required. You may need to pass a written exam depending on your renewal type.